UPSTATE KIDS ANALYSIS

The purpose of the Upstate KIDS Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) follow-up study is to determine if infertility treatment is associated with a risk of CVD or the timing of puberty. Studies have shown that some pubertal markers appear altered after IVF conception and early adrenarche may itself confer a risk of CVD. Epigenetics may be the mechanism underlying treatment effects. The Upstate KIDS study consisted of children conceived by infertility treatment and children conceived naturally. In this follow-up study, specimens including blood and saliva were taken from children between the ages of 6 and 8. Blood was also taken from mothers to assess confounding by maternal CVD risk.